§ 51-302. Legislative intent.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the law reflect the following items:

1.  That the operation of government be properly conducted so that public officials are independent and impartial and that a public office is not used for private gain other than the remuneration provided by law.  Public interest, therefore, requires that the law protect against any conflict of interest and establish standards for the conduct of elected officials and government employees in situations where conflicts may exist;

2.  That the government attract those citizens best qualified to serve.  Thus, the law against conflict of interest must be so designed as not to impede unreasonably or unnecessarily the recruitment and retention by government of those best qualified to serve.  Public officials should not be denied the opportunity, available to all other citizens, to acquire and retain private economic interests except when such interests conflict with the responsibility of such officials to the public;

3.  That the campaign process in this state operate to ensure that the people of this state elect their representatives in an informed and equitable manner and that qualified persons become candidates for public office with full confidence in the ability of the process to protect them from wrongful allegations of unlawful election practices;

4.  That the people be free to seek redress of their grievances and express their opinions to all government officials on current issues and pending legislative actions at every level of government;

5.  That these objectives of protecting the integrity of government and of facilitating the recruitment and retention of qualified personnel by prescribing restrictions against conflict of interest without creating unnecessary barriers to public service be implemented;

6.  That no officer or employee of any political subdivision of this state have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect; engage in any business transaction or professional activities; or incur any obligation of any nature that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of duties in the public interest; and

7.  That all public officials and public employees are agents of the people and hold their positions for the benefit of the people.  They are bound to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this state and to perform efficiently and faithfully their duties under the laws of the federal, state and local governments.  Such officers and employees must observe, in their official acts, high standards of ethics regardless of personal consideration, recognizing that promoting the public interest and maintaining the respect for their government must be a foremost concern.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 343, § 16, eff. July 1, 1995.